Fresno Madera Medical Society Alliance 2009-10 Health project.
“STROKE HAPPENS”…EVERY MINUTE COUNTS!
This month’s CMAA featured project is this 2009-10 Fresno Madera Medical Society Alliance’s health project. “Stroke kills twice as many
women as breast cancer” was the shocking statistic Alliance members heard in September 2008 when a local neurologist spoke to them about the warning signs of a stroke and the need to call 911 immediately. He also discussed the contributing factors of diet and lifestyle that may make people more likely to have a stroke.
The reaction of the Alliance members was immediate, “what can we do to help spread the word?” A committee was formed to research the subject and find the quickest way to disseminate the information. In the Fresno area, there is a large Hispanic population as well as many African-Americans. Both groups are at an increased risk for stroke. It was determined that bookmarks printed with the necessary information would be the most effective way to reach the largest number of people.
40,000 bookmarks were printed in Spanish and English. They were distributed throughout the county to clinics, doctors offices, hospitals, libraries, pharmacies, and health fairs, etc. Distribution began in May 2009 during National Stroke Awareness Month and continues today toward the goal of distributing thousands of the “Stroke Happens” bookmarks in the central San Joaquin Valley.
The FMMSA Stroke Committee Members who worked tirelessly to make this project a success — Marian Mosley, Chairperson, Sharon De St. Jeor, Patty Witmer, Cindy Terrell, Beverly Achki, Barbara Barman, Brenda Joseph, and Jan Goza. They would like to thank the CMAA Foundation for the $1,000 grant that helped to make this program a success and Community Medical Regional Center for funding the Spanish version of the bookmark.
If any county alliances are interested in setting up this program in their communities, please contact Sharon De St. Jeor – sdestjeor@aol.com or Marian Mosley — marianmosley@att.net